Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S: kansas city…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S: kansas city farmers and ranchers for mentoring, education, and resource sharing coalition '' a project of KC farm school at gibbs road and kansas city black urban growers INC. (KC bugs) was developed to provide farmer-led, hands-on education for new and beginning farmers and ranchers across the kansas city metropolitan area, and to preserve farmland for the coming generations. One-third of our nation's farmers are 65 years old or older. Many farmers nearing retirement are without a successor to continue their work. At the same time, we are at an opportune moment with nearly one-quarter of all farmers being new and beginning farmers. Bringing these two groups together through farmer-led skills training, business education, and farm transitions facilitation, the KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S coalition will work to attract and support the next generation of farmers ensuring the continuity of farming and its vital contributions to society, and the preservation of farmland.?this coalition, consisting of new and beginning farmers and ranchers, business and training partners, and experienced farmers and ranchers will work together collaboratively utilizing the principles of collective impact to address community-identified needs. The coalition will develop business and leadership capacity by curating shared resources, creating mentorship opportunities, and hosting hands-on business training and community rebuilding activities. Supporting new and beginning farmers has multiple benefits as farming is the foundation of food security and economic development, fosters rural growth, and urban connection to the land. Sustainable farming practices play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change. Moreover, farming is deeply rooted in cultural heritage, maintaining traditional knowledge and community identity. By combining collective impact, extensive farmer/ rancher support through mentorship and financial support, and rooting all coalition activities in place and supportive community rebuilding practices, KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S coalition will support kansas city area beginning farmers and ranchers to start farming and stay farming and to preserve the farmland that is crucial to food production.